CEMP-E
TI 809-51
30 September 1999
(f)
Foundations in soils that may be subjected to settlement or lateral spreading
should be connected with the beams. If reasonably well-distributed tie beams are provided
(e.g., +0.5/+0.4/+0.3), if no indication of tie beams (e.g., -1.0/-0.8/-0.6). Foundations for cast-in-
place concrete columns and walls should have dowels, matching the column or wall
reinforcement, with adequate development length in the foundation and in the column or wall
above. If number of dowels and development lengths appear to be reasonable (e.g.,
+0.5/+0.4/+0.3); if not, (e.g., -0.5/-0.4/-0.3). If no information is available (0.0).
A brief explanation of the reasons for the reviewer's chosen cumulative modifier should be
noted at the bottom of the sheet under "Comments/Conclusions."
(5) Vertical irregularity. These irregularities may apply to discontinuities of strength,
stiffness, geometry, or mass. A significant reduction in stiffness may result in a "soft story,"
which is evaluated separately in this form. Examples of other vertical irregularities include
discontinuous (i.e., offset) columns, "short" columns (e.g., columns in concrete frames with
partial height infills), shear walls, or braced frames; significant changes from one story to an
adjacent story in size or location of window and door openings in a shear wall; or significant
setbacks in the vertical plane of an exterior wall.
(6) Soft story. Generally, in multi-story buildings, a condition where the lateral stiffness
of a story is significantly less than that of the story above. This may be the result of higher story
height, more or larger openings in the shear walls, or other adverse features, and often occurs
at first stories.
(7) Torsion. The quantitative effects of torsion are assessed in the seismic evaluation
procedures. For purposes of this form in the review procedure, only the qualitative effects are to
be noted (i.e., is the building geometry and/or the location of the lateral-force-resisting elements
such that there is obvious eccentricity between the center of mass and the center of rigidity?)
(8) Plan irregularities. This modifier reduces the structural score for buildings with long
wings that are "L," "E," or "T" shaped, with sharp re-entrant corners where increased damage is
likely to occur. If the plan length of a wing projection, beyond the re-entrant corner, is greater
B-15
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